Meireles signs long-term contract

“Like Quaresma, I love FC Porto” says delighted midfielder

FC Porto have secured another of their “jewels” in the shape of Portugal international Raul Meireles. The midfielder has prolonged his contract until 2012.

Meireles has flourished with the Portuguese champions since the arrival of Jesualdo Ferreira and has been rewarded with a contract extension.

The Porto-born player could not be happier with the deal and was bubbling with joy when the news was announced.

“All the players here have the same affection towards this club. But even more so for me because I was born in this city and I am used, since I was a child, to liking FC Porto. Just like Quaresma, I love FC Porto,” stated Meireles.

The Dragons head into a big clash this weekend as they travel to Lisbon to face Sporting at the Alvalade. Meireles is not taking the match lightly, nor are any of his team-mates, despite a 14-point lead over their Lisbon rivals.

“We know that Sporting are not going through a good phase, but they continue to be a good team and we must respect them. They are not very close to us, but what is important is that we remain concerned with ourselves and with what we have to do at the Alvalade.”

Brazilian defender targeted

In other team news, the Portuguese champions are reported to mulling over a move for Brazilian central defender, Edson.

The U20 international currently plays for Figueirense and Porto would like to bring the stopper over on loan for the second half of the season, and should he impress, make the deal permanent.

Figueirense’s director of football, Jose Carlos Lages, confirmed that contact had been made by FC Porto, but that no formal offer had been put forth.

“There is no confirmation of a deal. There was some contact by an agent at the beginning of this week, but we are still analyzing the proposal. This is all we can say at the moment.”


Related: Ricardo Quaresma pledges future to Porto
Related: Raul Meireles PortGOAL profile